Joan May Klagmann, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-greatgrandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 15, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born on December 27, 1935, in Birch, Texas, to Milady Judy and Henry August Brinkmann, Joan was one of eight children in a vibrant, close-knit family—three brothers and five sisters who shaped her into the strong, loving woman she became.
Joan spent the majority of her life in Caldwell, where she raised her family and made a home filled with warmth, laughter and the irresistible smell of her famous fried chicken—especially on Sundays and holidays when as many as 65 family members would and Henry Brinkmann; her brothers, Aldie Brinkmann and Stanley Brinkmann; and her sisters, Evelyn Kosh, Henrietta Kazmire, Annie Rathjen, and Georgie Shaver. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Otis Klagmann; her son, John Matejka Sr.; her daughter, Mary Gonzales; son-in-law, Ralph Sanchez; and grandson, John Matejka Jr.
She is survived by her brother, Henry Brinkmann and wife, Billie; daughters, Shirley Sanchez, Nancy Hodges and husband, Richard; her son, Kelly Matejka and wife, Karen; her 14 grandchildren; 28 greatgrandchildren; six greatgreat- grandchildren; and a legacy of love, humor, strength, and family tradition that will live on in every one of them.
Joan May Klagmann will be remembered as a woman of iron will and tender heart—a storyteller, a caregiver, a matriarch, and a treasure to all who knew her.
“Mama tried,” Merle Haggard once sang, and Joan tried—and succeeded— gather.
She had five children, 15 grandchildren, 28 greatgrandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart and received a handmade baby blanket stitched with love.
Joan married the love of her life, Otis Klagmann, in 1978. Their 22-year marriage was a testament to loyalty and devotion. She never left his side, caring for him day and night with unwavering strength and compassion until his passing in 2000.
Joan had a mind like a steel trap—sharp, witty, and full of stories. She never forgot a birthday, loved a good word find (completing thousands every year), and found joy in old country music, especially her favorite singer, Merle Haggard. You could always find her tapping her hand to a tune, chuckling at a Facebook post from one of her grandkids “lines” or lost in a good book. She also found beauty in simple crafts, embroidering and sewing gifts that will be treasured for generations.
Her working years included roles as a homemaker, waitress, chair factory worker, and school cook for Caldwell ISD. In every job, she brought kindness, dedication, and a no-nonsense attitude that endeared her to many.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Milady in building a life full of love.
Express condolences at Phillipsandluckey.com.
PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME 404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232